Invasive species are exotic species, that is, from other regions, which, when introduced into a new environment, manage to establish and disperse. The consequences of its presence are multiple: in principle, they modify the structure and functioning of the new ecosystem, they also displace native species and can be transmitters of diseases and pests.
As a result, the Introduction of exotic species It constitutes a great threat to biodiversity. Argentina’s native species are not exempt from this threat and, therefore, from Ecology Verde we will tell you some Examples of invasive species in Argentina and their consequences.
CASTOR (CASTOR CANADENSIS)
To answer your question about what are the Invasive species in Argentinawe start talking about the serious case of beaver (Canadensis Castor).
During 1946 ten couples of Castores, from Canada, were introduced to the Grande Island of Tierra del Fuego with the purpose of using them for their skin. It is currently estimated that its population exceeds 100,000 copies and is considered exotic animal in Argentina That more problems has brought, since it managed to disperse quickly throughout the island, even reached Chilean island and continental territory.
Because of their behavior, the Castor Roe the trees of slow growth found in the Fuegian forests, collapses them and with them builds their burrows and dikes. As a balance, its presence significantly altered the structure of the wooded ecosystem, modifying the water regime and also the dynamics of forest nutrients.
Red belly squirrel (calllosciurus erythraeus)
This small mammal was introduced in Argentina in 1970 by its ornamental attractiveness. In the beginning, only 10 individuals entered the country but from intentional escapes or transfers, five populations of red belly squirrel (Calllosciurus erythraeus)most of them in areas of high agricultural activity.
For its part, this Invasive species in Argentina It causes great economic losses due to the consumption of fruits for marketing, irrigation hoses breaks, damage to storage silos and telephone, light and television cables. It is also estimated that they cause a negative impact on native bird populations as they destroy their nests and consume their eggs occasionally.
Longinino Pinto (Sturnus vulgaris)
He Longinino Pinto (Sturnus vulgaris) or also called European starlingit is a kind of migratory bird originally from Europe and Asia. The first record of this species in Argentina was in 1987, specifically in the city of Buenos Aires.
However, over the years he has managed to disperse west and north of the country. The invasion of this kind of starling translates into economic losses, mainly due to its effects on vineyards and more commercial crops. In addition, this species displaces native species since it competes with them due to food and the use of gaps where to nest.
American vision (Neovison Vison)
In the mid -50s the first hatcheries of American mink (NEOVISON VISON) In the country with intentions to use your skin as an economic resource. Subsequently, successive escapes occurred that allowed the mink to disperse north and east, following the rivers and lakes of the Andean mountain range.
Today, this Argentine invasive species It represents a difficulty in the management of national parks. The mink is a great aquatic bird predator and, particularly, the Tobian Macá is the most threatened aquatic bird for its presence.
Rana Toro (Lithobates Catesbeianus)
As well as Invasive species in Argentina previously mentioned, the entry of the Rana Toro (Lithobates Catesbeianus) The country was intentional.
In this case, the success of its establishment is explained because it is a general predator, presents high reproductive rate and lack of predators. In addition, it is able to transmit pathogens to other amphibians. That is why the Toro frog has been listed as a harmful and harmful species for Argentine biodiversity.
Giant African snail (Fulica Achistina)
The Giigante African snails (Fulica flatine) They were introduced in Asia, America and Oceania. Because of the damages it generates, this species is included in the list of 100 most harmful invasive exotic species in the world.
In Argentina, in particular, it causes important losses in agricultural orchards, especially affecting small producers and subsistence farmers. Likewise, the African snail constitutes a risk to public health, since it is a pathogens associated with meningitis and other human diseases.
Ligustro (ligustrum lucidum)
He Ligustro (Ligustrum lucidum) It is an arboreal species from China, which was introduced in Argentina for ornamental purposes. Through the years he managed to colonize the native forests of the center and north of the country.
Being a dominant species within the biological community, it is estimated that its presence can have important effects in the water dynamics of forested ecosystems, not only affecting native species, but also the indigenous communities that depend on them.
Arbustive lupine (lupinus arboreus)
Often the shrub lupine (Lupinus arboreus) It is used to set dunes and as an ornamental plant for its colorful yellow flowers.
In Argentina it was introduced for both reasons, however, it has colonized the dunes practically in its entirety, excluding native species. In addition to this, the shrub lupine not only displaces local flora speciesbut also favors the establishment of exotic species due to its great ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Tamariscos (Tamarix spp.)
The different species of tamarisco (Tamarix spp.) They are often used for ornamental purposes and as a barrier against the wind.
This kind of invasive plants It stands out because it has a great ability to completely modify the ecosystems that invades. Precisely in Argentina, after their introduction, the tamariscos managed to settle successfully in the arid and semi -arid areas causing the salinization and desertification of their soils.
Fresnos (Fraxinus spp.)
Are Exotic species in Argentina They have caused more than one headache, especially for those who are responsible for handling protected areas.
Specifically the El Palmar National Park and in the Delta del Río Paraná, the Fresnos (Fraxinus spp.) They grow spontaneously and, thanks to their high colonizing capacity, they have managed to modify the water regime of the ecosystem displacing native species.
Sauce Llorón (Salix Babylonica)
He LAUCE LLORÓN (Babylonica Salix)native of Asia, is normally used to set sole and stabilize the riverbank. However, its Introduction in Argentina It has brought more negative consequences than benefits.
Within the impacts that it causes we can mention: obstruction of rivers and streams, modification of the light regime (which causes changes in the water temperature), alteration of the availability of nutrients in the river and at the level of the water table, among others.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
This large tree has excessive water consumption, a resource by which all plants compete. In addition, the height and dense foliage of the eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) They prevent the growth of minor native species, which impoverishes the diversity of flora and fauna of the place. Finally, the accumulation of its leaves on the ground increases the risk of fire.
Although eucalyptus is one of the most used species for the paper industry, the establishment of its populations undoubtedly, a strong threat to local biodiversity.
As you already know all these invasive species in Argentina, we encourage you to learn more about this problem reading these other ecology articles about what invasive species, examples and consequences are, introduction of exotic species: causes and consequences and flora and fauna of Argentina. Likewise, you may also be interested in knowing 34 species of animals in danger of extinction in Argentina, since some are affected by invasive species.
If you want to read more articles similar to Invasive species in Argentinawe recommend that you enter our biodiversity category.
